Mitchell says because she had never been prone to illness, she didn't get a flu shot.

Flu vaccines are not 100% effective, and sometimes the strain of flu circulating is not a flawless match for the flu strains in the flu vaccine. Although flu vaccines are not flawless, they are the best way to prevent getting the flu.

"With the influenza vaccination we can often prevent infection and if somebody does happen to get influenza, then their symptoms are typically a lot less severe than somebody who did not get the vaccination", says Joel Moore, D.O., a family medical physician at Meridian Medical Association.

Health care providers are strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine.

In the letter, the groups said that delaying reauthorization until 2019 would be a setback for the nation's security and added they are especially concerned about authorities that have already expired, including the power to reassign state and local staff and the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters.

"The flu should not be taken lightly".

Last year's flu season was dominated by a strain called H3N2. "This also helps to stop the spread of flu" said Mayer.

And, communicating the concept of "herd immunity" improves an individual's willingness to get vaccinated.

Restrictions also apply to other units where intensive-care unit and oncology patients are being treated.

Pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness and complications if infected with the influenza virus.

In addition to vaccination, other ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick include washing your hands frequently, covering your cough and sneeze and by staying home if you feel ill. The policy notes that the minimum age a person can be to visit patient floors is age 12, otherwise they can wait in the hospital's lobbies accompanied by an adult (unless they have received special approval for extenuating circumstances).

LAIV (Flumist) will not be included in this year's DoD vaccine order but DoD facilities do have the capability to purchase Flumist through the Defense Logistics Agency and individuals may receive Flumist through their Tricare accepting network retail pharmacies. The most common side effects are mild and resolve on their own within 24-48 hours.

People with compromised immune systems are advised to talk with their doctor about whether a flu shot is appropriate.

This article is a condensed version of The Conversation article "Countering misinformation about flu vaccine is harder than it seems'".